Football: McClelland doubtful about future

JOHN McCLELLAND, the former Watford, Rangers and Leeds United defender, will consider his position as player-manager of St Johnstone after playing in their 3-1 home defeat by Partick Thistle, a result which leaves them without a win in their last eight games, writes David McKinney.

After the match McClelland, who was appointed in April and has masterminded just eight wins in 38 games, held talks with Geoff Brown, the club chairman, to discuss his future.

'The confidence has gone in the team and this is not a nice place to be around any more,' McClelland said.

While he ponders his future another defender, Tony Mowbray of Celtic, looks likely to leave the club and rejoin Middlesbrough for pounds 1m.

There is also speculation that Lou Macari, the Celtic manager, could use Gerry Creaney in a swap deal to bring Steve Bull to the club from Wolves.

On Saturday Macari watched defensive lapses by Mike Galloway cost his team a point in the 2-2 draw at Kilmarnock but he retained his unbeaten League record as manager and has recently installed Chic Bates as his assistant from Stoke City.

Rangers recorded the same result against Raith Rovers at Ibrox. Their seemingly impenetrable fortress of last season has now surrendered eight out of 18 points this season.

At Pittodrie the League leaders Aberdeen drew 1-1 with second- placed Motherwell.